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The construction company replacing the road deck on the Tappan Zee Bridge was hit with a $235,000 fine by the New York State Thruway Authority for causing hours of gridlock during Tuesday's morning rush.

Westchester County-bound traffic was backed up for more than 15 miles on the Thruway, stretching beyond Suffern at its height, and leaving thousands of drivers incensed and scrambling to find other ways to get to work.

Tutor Perini Corp., the contractor that has been paid at least $325 million since 2006 to install a new deck on the nearly 57-year-old bridge, was required to open all seven ...